Innovative & Original 'Cloth Diaper Loan Program': FAQs

I have been selling new parents on the concept of buying and washing cloth diapers for over seven years now. Most of them are skeptical about the workload involved, but close to 100% of them stick with cloth diapers. I have informally loaned out some of our own diapers to some of these skeptical parents to give them an idea of what's involved when you launder your own cloth diapers.

This informal lending gave way to our 'Cloth Diaper Loan Program', which was launched in August 2003. This loan program allows parents to seriously consider cloth diapers, giving them a chance to 'test the waters' without making a serious financial investment. The loan program has convinced many parents that cloth diapers are a viable option, and we are starting to see other companies offering similar programs -- we're thrilled to have such a positive effect!

Why Should I try this program?

Most people donxt believe that using cloth diapers can be 'that easy'. Most people don't consider the fact that each baby who wears 'single-use' diapers will go through two tonnes of these diapers before being toilet trained -- these diapers will be hanging around in our already over-burdened landfills for 500+ years.

Aside from the obvious benefits to the environment, other benefits of using cloth diapers include earlier potty training (up to a year earlier), significantly lower occurrence of diaper rash, and finally, HUGE cost savings, upwards of $1,500/child, depending on what type of cloth diapers you use.

By participating in this program, you can at least try your hand at cloth-diapering your baby. If you donxt like it, you can at least say you tried. If you do like it, you can decide what type of diaper you prefer without investing a lot of money.

Can't I use a diaper service to try cloth diapers?

You could use a diaper service to 'test the waters', but you will only be able to try out one kind of cloth diaper, the basic prefold or fitted diaper (supplied by the diaper service) and a cover (bought and washed by you). This is a decent way to try cloth diapering, but you wonxt have the benefit of trying different types of diapers.

Depending on the build of your baby, and what your priorities are (cost, bulk, absorbency, etc.), you might find that you prefer a different type of diaper. This program takes all of the guesswork out of buying cloth diapers -- figure out what works for you without spending a lot of money.

How long can I keep the diapers for?

You can keep the diapers for seven days. This is ample time to try each diaper at least 2-3 times.

How much does it cost?

The program costs $20.00, which is comparable to what you would spend to keep your baby in single-use diapers for a week. If you decide you would like to keep your child in cloth diapers, you can apply $15.00 of the loan program fee towards the purchase of your diapers.

In addition to the participation fee, you will have to leave a (fully refundable) deposit for the retail value of the diapers. When you return the diapers, you will be refunded the deposit.

What will I get?

Currently, each participant in the loan program will be provided with the following diapers:

1 Bummis Super Whisper Wraps

1 Bummis Super Brite cover

1 Thirsties duo wrap

1 Thirsties sized wrap

1 Booroi cover

6 prefolds

1 Snappi

1 Kissaluvs fitted diaper

1 Kissaluvs contour diaper

1 Jamtots fleece-topped bamboo doubler

1 Mother-ease Sandy's diaper

1 Mother-ease one-size diaper

1 Fuzzibunz 'Perfect Size' diaper

1 Fuzzibunz 'One-size' diaper

1 bumGenius 3.0 pocket diaper

1 GroBaby AI2 diaper

1 AMP duo pocket (with a bamboo insert)

1 AMP one-size pocket (with a microterry insert)

As you can see, this is a wide variety of diapers -- if you were to buy these diapers to try, you would have to spend approximately $200.00.

Depending on your budget and your tastes, you will find something here that works for you and your baby. Typically, most parents have to play a 'hit and miss' game ordering and trying these diapers, this program eliminates this guesswork -- if you don't like a diaper, don't buy it!

What if I lose or damage a diaper?

If you lose a diaper, you will have to pay the replacement cost. If a diaper is damaged due to 'user error' (ie - you bleach a diaper), you will have to pay the replacement cost. If a diaper is damaged due to 'normal wear and tear', you are not responsible for damages.

Is this sanitary?

Yes! We will require that diapers are returned clean, and we will wash the diapers upon their return to ensure they have been cleaned properly.

We use Nellies detergent in the wash (a mild, cloth diaper-friendly detergent), and we add Lavender oil, this essential oil has anti-fungal properties, and a fragrant scent. Diapers will be sunned (weather-permitting) to remove germs, odors and stains, and they will be run through the dryer on high heat to kill anything that might be lingering (highly unlikely!).

When you wash your own diapers, you do not need to perform all of the above steps -- washing diapers can be as simple as washing any other load of laundry. We are using this routine to ensure that the diapers are clean and sanitary.

How will I know what to do with the diapers?

Full washing instructions will be provided, though we promise you, it is remarkably easy. Our resources section contains a great troubleshooting guide, and all of our staff members use cloth diapers with their own children, so they can assist you with any questions you have.

What sizes are available?

This program is geared towards new parents, so the majority of the packages are suited to babies weighing between 8 - 15 pounds (we generally recommend waiting until your baby's umbilical cord stump has falled off because the covers that come with the program don't have umbilical notches).

Packages for larger children weighing between 15 - 25 lbs are available, but they are fewer in number.

How long are the diapers used for?

The diapers are tracked, and after 6 months, the diapers will be taken out of rotation, and replaced with new diapers. We are doing this to ensure that participants in this program will be using diapers that are in good shape.

How do I sign up?

Loan programs must be booked in advance, you must pay in advance to secure your spot. You can either book a loan program over the phone or in-person. Spots are filled a first-come, first-serve basis.

Due to the immense popularity of our loan program, we must ensure diaper are picked up and returned in a timely fashion. If you are late picking up the diapers, the loan program will not be extended. If you are late returning the diapers, a late fee will be applied.

I borrowed diapers from "Store X", will you accept their credit?

Gladly! With proof of payment, we will happily apply your loan program credit from other businesses to purchases over $100.00 from our store (discount applies to cloth diapers and cloth diaper accessories only, purchase must be made within 14 days of loan program participation).

Our diaper loan program is extremely popular -- short of becoming a diaper service, we simply cannot accommodate everyone. We have the best selection of diapers (and stock levels) in the city, and we have the most knowledgeable staff.